In a high-level meeting held in Paris on May 6, French President Emmanuel Macron, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and President Xi Jinping of China convened to deliberate on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine instigated by Russia, various trade topics, and tensions in the Middle East.
President Xi arrived in France on May 5, amid his European tour, marking this occasion as his first visit to the European Union in the span of five years.
This significant meeting of the Chinese president with European leadership unfolds during a critical time as relations between China and European nations have seen tensions due to China’s stance and support for Russia amidst the Ukraine invasion.
“We have a mutual interest with China when it comes to peace and security. Our expectation is that China will exert its substantial influence over Russia to put an end to the Ukrainian conflict, which is an act of aggression by Russia,” President von der Leyen stated following the meetup.
“President Xi has played an important role in de-escalating Russia’s irresponsible nuclear threats,” she further added, with the hope that President Xi will persist in this role “especially considering Russia’s ongoing nuclear threats.“
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The conversation also highlighted China’s pledge not to provide Russia any lethal assistance. Further actions are required to restrict the influx of dual-use goods into Russia that end up being employed in warfare,” stated von der Leyen.
The United States had previously indicated in April a concern that China was escalating its backing for Russia with the supply of geospatial intelligence, missile propellants, and microelectronics.
While Beijing has established robust relations with Moscow amid the conflict, enhancing economic cooperation and hindering Western endeavors to politically isolate Russia.
According to reports by Bloomberg on April 29, President Macron aimed to influence President Xi during this meeting to play a part in pushing Russia to bring the conflict to a close. At the onset of the meeting, Macron asserted that “the future of our continent is greatly entwined with how we evolve our relationship with China.”
In his remarks, Xi proclaimed that “the world has stepped into a period of new upheavals and transformations” and emphasized that “as significant global entities, China and Europe are tasked with… making continuous contributions to global peace and progress.”
President Xi’s trip is set to continue with visits to Serbia and Hungary after his stay in France concludes on May 7.
FAQ Section:
Q: What was the purpose of the meeting between Macron, Xi Jinping, and von der Leyen?
A: The leaders met to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine initiated by Russia, trade concerns, and conflicts in the Middle East.
Q: Where and when did the meeting take place?
A: The meeting occurred in Paris on May 6.
Q: What was China’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
A: Despite tensions with European nations, China has maintained support for Russia and has not provided lethal equipment to Russia, though concerns remain regarding the supply of dual-use goods.
Q: What was Ursula von der Leyen’s message to China?
A: She highlighted the shared interest in peace and security and urged China to use its influence on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
Q: What are the next stops on President Xi’s European tour?
A: Xi Jingping is scheduled to visit Serbia and Hungary after leaving France on May 7.
Conclusion:
The significant trilateral meeting in Paris between French President Emmanuel Macron, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored the intricate web of geopolitical interests and the urgency for diplomatic engagements on profound issues such as war, peace, and international trade. As the world continues to watch, the outcomes of such high-stakes discussions could greatly influence the global political landscape.
Note: The information in this article is based on a previous news report. The sources mentioned provide additional context and have been included for reference. Original sourcing is credited to “The Kyiv Independent.”